Procedure after Sharps Injury

What is it? Sharps injuries, also known as needlestick injuries, are among the leading causes of occupational hazards for healthcare workers, including HIV, HBV (hepatitis B), and HCV (hepatitis C). Healthcare workers risk injury from needles and other sharp instruments during many routine procedures. Injuries often occur after use and...

Workplace Health and Safety

What is it? Infection protection for healthcare workers is an integral part of the occupational health and safety (OH&S) programme of every aged care facility. OH&S implements an employee health screening policy, promoting immunisation, instituting extra protection for healthcare workers in specific circumstances e.g., pregnant healthcare workers, and having processes for...

Procedure after Accidental Splash to Mouth or Eyes

What is it? Blood or body substance incidents are one of the leading causes of occupational hazards for healthcare workers, as they carry the risk of contamination with HIV, HBV (hepatitis B), and HCV (hepatitis C).  To minimise the risk of spread of infection, all blood and body substances should...

Personal Hygiene

What is it? Microbes spread easily in healthcare due to physical contact between healthcare workers, residents, and visitors. Maintaining good personal hygiene significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and transmission of contagious infections. Employees must notify their supervisor if they are suffering from an infection, particularly when working in areas...

Employee Vaccinations and Screening

  To protect residents and employees from vaccine-preventable diseases, a comprehensive occupational vaccination programme should be implemented, which includes A vaccination policy Maintenance of current employee vaccination records Provision of information about the relevant vaccine-preventable diseases The management of vaccine refusal The risk management of unvaccinated staff should also consider...

Exclusion Periods for Acute Infections

What is it? The overarching principle for exclusion periods is that employees should not come to work if they have signs or symptoms of a potentially infectious disease.  Any employee who has an infectious disease has a responsibility to Consult with an appropriate medical practitioner to determine that they can perform...